Natural Methods of Contraception are Better than Birth Control Pills

Natural methods of contraception (like symptothermal method ) are as effective as hormonal contraceptives - a German research suggests.

This finding contradicts common view of natural family planning methods as the least effective or even absolutely ineffective.

Symptothermal method involves defining fertility levels during the monthly cycle by measuring basal temperature and observing cervical secretions.

The recent Human Reproduction Study carried out by German researchers found that proper using STM leads to a rate of 0.4 pregnancies per year. A method of family planning is rated as highly effective if it leads to less than one pregnancy per 100 women per year only if used correctly. Fails caused by improper use of a method are not taken into account.

The study held at University of Heidelberg involved 900 women who used STM for family planning.

The lowest pregnancy rate was found among those who avoided sex contacts during their most fertile period which was defined by symptothermal method.

Among women who used condom during their fertile days the pregnancy rate rose to 0.6 pregnancies per 100 women per year.

The most interesting thing is that even among those women who did not use any method of contraception during the fertile days, the pregnancy rate was very low - 7.5 pregnancies per year. This figure comprises a guarter of the rate that could be expected. The scientists think that this is because women had sex on less risky days and abstained from sex on days of possible ovulation.

Thus the scientists made the conclusion that STM is as effective as other modern methos of contraception, such as hormonal contraceptives. Thus it can be considered an effective and at the same time acceptible method of family planning.

Why natural method of contraceptions are considered ineffective?

First of all, because many women use this method of contraception incorrectly.

Secondly, some studies suggest that female libido is higher during fertile period and this causes many women to neglect fertile periods and have sex on these days.

As well many methods of contraception fail because being ineffective if used alone, without combining with another method of defining fertile days. For instance, some women rely on measuring body temperature without observing cervical secretions and vice versa.

Natural family planning is a great option for women who for some reason cannot use hormonal contraceptives and for Christians who do not use other family planning methods for religious reasons.